Glossary / Lexicon

P-O-X Theory

The P-O-X Theory (Balance Theory) refers to the idea that relationships among one person (P), the other person (O), and an attitude object (X) may be either balanced or unbalanced.

It is a conceptualization advanced by Fritz Heider which assumes that interpersonal relationships can be either balanced (integrated units with elements that fit together without stress) or unbalanced (inconsistent units with elements that conflict with one another). Heider believed that unbalanced relationships create an unpleasant tension that must be relieved by changing some element of the system.

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